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Dec 15, 2006 | 06:43 PM

#31

TigerDan

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From: The hills of No. Calif.

Yeah, I've heard as much. We just have to decide which way we want to go. I'm flexible and don't mind doing the fabricating to swap in P/S.

Sounds like we might have to have both narrow and wide tires for different situations. What about lift? Is there a benefit to lifting the truck for mud drags and bogging (besides appearances...) or is it better left stock ride height in the street classes?

Dec 15, 2006 | 07:19 PM

#32

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

Are the frames different between 2X and 4X? One option is to move the 4wd stuff to a 2 wd frame.

Dec 15, 2006 | 07:31 PM

#33

TigerDan

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From: The hills of No. Calif.

I think there are some differences. If a 4X4 is straight axle with leafs in front as opposed to the 4X2s Twin I-beam with coils, then most certainly. The steering box mounts ahead of the crossmember on a 4X4 and behind it in a 4X2 so there may be some differences in mounting holes. This will certainly be an education for all of us...that's one part I'm looking forward to!

Dec 15, 2006 | 11:12 PM

#34

olfordsnstone

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Other side of the sunrise

Okay guys, with the Highboys (pre 1977-1/2 F250's), there is a way to convert the steering to power. Some of the later highboys came with the ram assist steering (similar to big rigs), where there is a manual box that is assisted with a hydraulic ram. This is easily adapted into a non-power steering system, but is not known as the preferred system by many off roaders.
A system that is preferred is the conversion to the integral power steering system. As Skipped_link stated earlier, you can put in a 2x4 box in a 4x4 with some modifications.
Another conversion is using the late 1977 - 1979 F250 4x4 power steering box, pitman arm and linkage. Take a look at the links below. I think they can explain it better than me. I think the 77-1/2, 78, or 79 F250 power steering systems would be the best choice. You can find a donor truck at a picknpull and get everything that you would need, with the exception of some mild modifications to the inside of the frame.
Read this gents.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/..._F250_4x4.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Highboy.html

Last edited by olfordsnstone; Dec 15, 2006 at 11:22 PM.

Dec 17, 2006 | 12:29 AM

#35

73f350sc

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From: Murray

Well on behalf of your neighbors to the south.... I wish you luck and lemme know if theres something I might be able to help spot like on ebay or something and I'll pass it along. I already let the Nevada chapter know I wanna watch... if not at least someone post up some vid haha.
-Chris

Dec 17, 2006 | 12:40 AM

#36

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

Like I said on the other thread - why be a spectator in life? You only go around once, so grab a truck and jump in - it will not hurt you to get your hands dirty.

Get a few of your members to help and enter a socal truck!

Dec 17, 2006 | 12:49 AM

#37

73f350sc

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From: Murray

Believe me the thought crossed my mind.... I know of a 79 Supercab trailer special w/ a 460 and c-6 for 400 bucks locally and it would be a great mud truck, not in too bad of shape but not too good ya know. We'll see what happens.. if nothing else I can at least try to come and root for ya haha.
-Chris
PS
Honestly it looks like its in a little better shape than the one ya got lol..just not 4x...yet